A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Leonard "Len" Marion Spalding, Jr.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jimmy Higdon

Ceremonial tribute recognizing Len Spalding’s life and community impact in Kentucky; does not create law, fund, or change policy.

adopted by voice vote

#memorials

Summary of SR 20 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Purpose and overall intent

SR 20 is a concurrent (non-binding) resolution in the Kentucky Senate that pays honor and tribute to Leonard "Len" Marion Spalding, Jr. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sympathy for his passing and adjourns in his memory.

The bill does not create law or allocate funds; its primary function is ceremonial, recognizing Spalding’s life, contributions, and ties to Kentucky.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: The Senate expresses its profound sympathy for the loss of Leonard “Len” Marion Spalding, Jr.

Section 2: The Senate adjourns for the day in honor and loving memory of Len Spalding.

Section 3: The Clerk of the Senate is tasked with transmitting a copy of the resolution to Senator Jimmy Higdon for delivery (i.e., to ensure acknowledgment and ceremonial housekeeping).

Who or what is affected

Primary beneficiary: Leonard "Len" Marion Spalding, Jr. (the individual being honored posthumously).

Indirect beneficiaries: Spalding’s family and associates, and the broader community connected to his ties to Kentucky (Springfield) and his extensive service and philanthropic work.

Institutions referenced in the text (for context of his life and impact): Bellarmine University (trustee roles and honors), Springfield-Washington County community, and various civic and professional boards he served on (economic development, education foundations, banks, and cultural/economic partnerships).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: January 7, 2026.

Committee referral: Senate Committee on Committees (S) on January 7, 2026.

Floor action: Adopted by voice vote on January 23, 2026.

Effect: Upon adoption, the Senate adjourns its session day in his honor; the resolution serves as an official ceremonial commemoration of Len Spalding’s life and service.

Transmission: The Clerk of the Senate is directed to send a copy to Senator Jimmy Higdon for delivery.

Notable details about Len Spalding (from the resolution)

Born in 1935 in Springfield, Kentucky.

Education: Bellarmine College, Class of 1959; later earned an MBA in finance from Indiana University.

Career: Senior executive leadership at J.P. Morgan Chase; international travel and leadership experience in finance.

Philanthropy and service: Longtime benefactor and leader in education; served on numerous boards (Bellarmine University, Springfield-Washington County Economic Development Authority, Glenview Trust Company, Investment Company Institute boards, Catholic Education Foundation, St. Catharine College, Marion-Washington County Airport Board, Chicago Leukemia Society, Children’s Memorial Hospital).

Personal notes: Known for charisma, generosity, and family devotion; had a noted anecdote about catching a flight home for Thanksgiving.

Bottom-line impact

The resolution is a ceremonial tribute recognizing Len Spalding’s contributions to education, community development, and philanthropy in Kentucky.

No legal or fiscal measures are enacted; there are no budgetary implications or regulatory changes.